Russo-Ukrainian war, day 970: Drones strike Russian explosives plant in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast

Military

Frontline report: Ukraine's demolition squads turn Toretsk high-rises into Russian trap. Ukrainian forces have turned Toretsk's skyline into a battleground, methodically dismantling Russian-held high-rises to neutralize key defensive positions. Ukrainian drones strike Russia's largest explosives plant 900 km from border (updated). The facility produces explosives, artillery shells, aerial bombs, missile warheads, and other munitions used against Ukraine. Drones strike sanctioned Russian explosives plant in central Nizhny Novgorod Oblast. The governor said air defenses repelled the attack, but witnesses reported smoke rising from the industrial zone. As of 20 OCT 2024, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:

• Personnel: 678520 (+1340)
• Tanks: 9047 (+12)
• APV: 18111 (+39)
• Artillery systems: 19565 (+17)
• MLRS: 1232
• Anti-aircraft systems: 978
• Aircraft: 369
• Helicopters: 329
• UAV: 17287 (+57)
• Cruise missiles : 2624 (+1)
• Warships/boats: 28
• Submarines: 1
• Vehicles and fuel tanks: 26987 (+41)

Intelligence and technology

Switzerland strengthens Ukraine's demining efforts with GCS-200 vehicles. France converts € 300 million of frozen Russian assets into Caesar howitzers for Ukraine. Paris will finance 12 Caesar howitzers along with critical military hardware.

International

Ukraine demands global response to North Korea's military support for Russia's war machine. With over 11,000 North Korean soldiers preparing for deployment, Zelenskyy urges the global community to condemn Pyongyang's direct involvement in the conflict. Polish PM Tusk: US election crucial for Zelenskyy's "victory plan". While President Zelenskyy seeks EU support for his Victory Plan, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlights divisions among European leaders, with a reassessment expected after the US presidential election. Nato commander warns of strengthened Russian military post Russo-Ukraine war. The Russian military is actively learning and improving from its experiences in Ukraine despite losses, according to NATO's highest-ranking general in Europe. NATO Assembly chief says: Alliance supports Ukraine's accession, but membership timing uncertain. As Ukraine continues its fight for sovereignty, NATO PA President Gerry Connolly says that full territorial control is key to securing an invitation to join the alliance. Zelenskyy's plan to replace US troops in EU with Ukrainians is "inappropriate," NATO Assembly chief says. Jerry Connolly called it a misguided attempt to court favor with Donald Trump.

Humanitarian and social impact

Ukrainian official says Russian attacks kill 33 education workers in Donetsk Oblast since 2022. Constant shelling has devastated the region, damaging over 870 educational institutions and tragically claiming the lives of both civilians and soldiers. Russian attack cuts power to 37,000 in Ukraine's Sumy Oblast as temps drop to +2°C/36°F. Despite the widespread impact, local officials reported no casualties. Russia strikes Ukrainian industrial hub Kryvyi Rih with twin ballistic missiles, injures 17. A second strike hit while responders dealt with the first attack, injuring a rescue worker.

Political and legal developments

ISW: Kursk incursion speeds up Ukraine-Russia POW swaps. Four major prisoner swaps occurred within just 2.5 months following Ukraine's Kursk operation. ISW: Putin's peace rhetoric ahead of BRICS summit is smokescreen for Ukrainian capitulation demands. Russia's President claims openness for "peace negotiations" but continues to frame Ukraine as the aggressor in the war and reaffirms Russia's readiness to "continue this fight." Read the daily review for 19 Sat Oct 2024 here